Darlo Country Club New Menu

Darlo Country Club (DCC) has launched a new menu in collaboration with the team behind Barrio Cellar and Fei Jai to consolidate the venue’s theme as an LA Country Club.

Darlo Country Club

The new food menu takes inspiration from the Barrio team’s recent trip to LA to create dishes that evoke the best of their favourite LA eateries.

The cocktail menu has also undergone a little change but the popular favourites remain such as the Eton Fizz, Gentleman’s Agreement and Mango Colada (see previous review of Darlo Country Club). A page is devoted to classics, some with a new take that bring you back for more.

Millionaire Cocktail #4

In the Millionaire Cocktail #4 ($19), the Charlie Chaplin goes Tiki with equal parts of Plantation Original dark rum, Hayman’s Sloe Gin, Apricot brandy, lime and grenadine. The sour style of drink balances the sweetness of the rum with the berry notes of the sloe gin and acid form citrus in a most refreshing and delicious aperitif style of drink.

La Cereza Ahumado

If you have a penchant for Mezcal or peated whiskies, the La Cereza Ahumado ($21) or ‘The Smokey Cherry’ is not to be missed. The combination of Mezcal Amores, Cherry Herring, pink grapefruit, cherry and balsamic results in a beautiful balance of cherry notes with nuttiness of almonds, the gentle smoke of Mezcal and finishes on a savoury note from the balsamic. Add the elegant aesthetics of a vibrant red drink pored over a block of clear ice and garnished with red rose petals, this is one cocktail you won’t forget.

When it comes to the food menu, the first thing that will you notice is that dishes are listed under Starters, Mains and Dessert, a most refreshing change when Sydney has been swamped with share plates in recent years. The Cali/LA style of food combines a variety of cuisines and well-loved staples with Italian and French influences, Restaurant Manager Thibault Bouclier explains. You’ll also find fried chicken with corn bread & chicken gravy and a house style DCC burger.

Tuna Poke

Bluefin tuna, pickled ginger mayonnaise & radish on nori crackers make up the Tuna Poke (4 pieces for $16), a Hawaiian style of fish tartare. You get the freshness of the tuna along with the zing of ginger and creamy mayo on a bite sized crisp nori sheet.

Steak Tartare

The Steak Tartare ($20) of beef eye fillet, celeriac remoulade, smoked bone marrow & quail egg with crostini is unlike any other. The meat is fresh, perfectly seasoned with good bite and the addition of the smoky, unctuous bone marrow elevates the dish to another level. The bone marrow is smoked with maple chips which add yet another dimension to an excellent dish.

Seared Nova Scotia Scallops

From the mains, the Seared Nova Scotia Scallops ($28) are plump and flavoursome with roasted golden beets, sweet potato chips, confit garlic puree with fennel and ginger dressing. The dish is a lighter alternative if you don’t feel like a substantial main course.

Pan Roasted Sirloin

On the other end of the scale, you have the Pan Roasted Sirloin ($36) with jus and green pepper with a side of truffle Parmesan fries. The 250g Jacks Creek Black Angus sirloin is perfectly cooked, pink and tender while the fries – which are also available as a side dish – are well worth stealing from your dining partner.

Fried Brussel Sprouts

From the sides, the Fried Brussel Sprouts ($10) are dressed with a lemon vinaigrette, pistachio pesto and topped with Manchego cheese. They may even sway you a little if you’re not a friend of the vegetable.

Mac & Cheese

The Mac & Cheese ($8) has been given an upgrade from the previous incarnation with an abundance of flavour, a crispy cheesy crust, less runny than its predecessor to make it a favourite.

Dessert Theatrics

When it comes to dessert, particularly if you like to share a sweet indulgence, the apple pie comes highly recommended. Far from being a humble dessert, Calvados is flamed blazer style bringing a theatrical element to the table.

Calvados Poured Over Dessert

Once poured over the cinnamon sprinkles on the apple pie, the show continues with flares and sparks before the alcohol eventually burns out.

Spiced Apple Pie with Vanilla Bean Ice Cream

The Spiced Apple Pie with Vanilla Bean Ice Cream ($14 for 2) has a delicate and light pastry that melts in the mouth with thinly sliced apples that are tender with the spices giving a warming taste. Well worth the 15 minutes for preparation.

Armagnac

If you’re in the mood for a little digestif, and why wouldn’t you be when dining in such elegant and welcoming surrounds, La Courtoisie Bas-Armagnac makes a fitting end to the evening.

Darlo Country Club is open Wednesday 5pm to 12am and Thursday to Saturday 5pm to 2am. The full menu is available until 10.30pm, with a select few items available until close.

Darlo Country Club
235 Victoria St, Darlinghurst NSW 2010
www.darlocountryclub.com.au

Photography © by Gourmantic – Copyright: All rights reserved.